Contaminated Water in Indore Claims 17 Lives; CDC Suggests 3 Ways to Make Water Safe

Indore, Madhya Pradesh: A public health crisis is unfolding in Indore as cases of diarrhea and vomiting surge due to contaminated drinking water. At the Bhagirathpura Primary Health Center, 38 new patients have been admitted with waterborne illnesses. Official records confirm 7 deaths, while local residents claim the toll may have reached 17.

Currently, 110 patients are receiving treatment at various hospitals, with 15 in critical condition in the ICU. The health department is taking extensive measures to control the situation, including door-to-door checks to monitor symptoms and provide immediate care.

Health Teams Distribute ORS, Zinc, and Clean Water Solution
Authorities are distributing 10 ORS packets, 30 zinc tablets, and a clean water solution dropper to each household. Residents are instructed to add 8–10 drops of the solution to 10 liters of water, wait for an hour, and then use the water safely.

CDC Guidelines for Safe Water Consumption
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), situations like Indore’s contaminated water can occur anywhere, especially after floods, storms, pipeline damage, or other disasters. It is essential to identify potentially unsafe water and avoid using it for drinking, cooking, washing, or infant formula unless properly treated.

Three Methods to Make Water Safe:

1. Boiling Water

• Boil water to kill most pathogens.
• Filter dirty water first using a clean cloth, paper towel, or coffee filter.
• Boil filtered water for at least 1 minute (3 minutes in hilly areas).
• Let it cool and store in covered, clean containers.
• To improve taste, pour boiled water between containers or add a pinch of salt per liter.

1. Using Bleach

• Use unscented household bleach (sodium hypochlorite) to disinfect water.
• Filter water if it’s visibly dirty, then add bleach following instructions:
  • 5–9% bleach: 1 liter = 2 drops, 1 gallon = 8 drops, 5 gallons = 40 drops.
  • 1% bleach: 1 liter = 10 drops, 1 gallon = 40 drops, 5 gallons = 200 drops.
• Double the dose if water is very dirty or cold.
• Stir and leave for at least 30 minutes before use.

1. Chemical Tablets or Drops

• Chlorine dioxide, chlorine, or iodine tablets/drops can disinfect water.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
• Effective against bacteria and viruses, though some parasites may remain.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a doctor for health concerns.

This water contamination incident serves as a wake-up call for proper sanitation and safe water practices, highlighting the urgent need for preventive measures to protect public health.